WILCO LIVE AT MAHAFFEY THEATER

Photos by Kylie Fridge

After over 30 years of making music, Wilco brought their "Wilco World" tour to St. Petersburg, Florida. The last time Wilco came to Florida was 2012, leaving citizens waiting for more.

Announcing that there would be no opener for St. Petersburg set a tone for a more intimate, personal show at the Mahaffey Theater. Shortly after the lights dimmed and Wilco entered the stage, the crowd rose as they began playing "Wishful Thinking," off their album A Ghost Is Born. Sitting in the theater looking around, not a single phone was held up; all heads were turned to the front of the stage, where Jeff Tweedy provided charming vocals that were backed by electric instrumentals. Moments of soft lyrics were followed by chaotic drumming, flashing lights, and loud strikes on the piano.

Wilco played a different show than most touring artists provide. With consistent lighting and not much movement on stage, a perfected performance was given to St. Petersburg that night. After standing for the first song, the crowd remained seated until the end of the first set. Mahaffey Theater quietly joined in vocals throughout the night, later yelling "Music is my savior" back at Tweedy during "Sunken Treasure."

The second set provided some of their big hits, like "Jesus, Etc." and "Heavy Metal Drummer," giving Wilco fans exactly what they wanted. With a show of over 30 songs, Wilco played a range of old songs, their big hits, and new releases. The crowd consisted mainly of older individuals, who were supporters of Wilco when they were the most popular, still uplifting the same band they loved from the start. Wilco came to town and left their impact on every fan that walked in the building.